Just like any other car, a fuel-powered/electric motorcycle can break down when you least expect it. However, it can be even worse for bikers cruising on the highway. When it rains, finding a shelter in the middle of the highway can be quite challenging. This can be more disappointing when it happens to your new motorbike.
Servicing your bike regularly can reduce the likelihood of breaking down, but you should never rule it out. Unfortunately, a simple puncture can pose more danger on the road. If not well-handled, you might get into an accident or damage your bike further. Instead of panicking, you should do the following:
Get to the Side of the Road
Getting a puncture on the highway, where the average speed is 60mph, can be very scary. If your motorbike is struggling or has a puncture, you should try getting off the road as fast as possible. Grab the clutch and keep the bike moving while signaling to the other drivers.
Once the other drivers notice that you’re struggling, they’ll slow down or switch lanes. If moving to the right side of the road is impossible, you can look for the nearest exit. If you’re on the far left lane and can’t safely move to the right side, you can look for a strip of pavement or grassy room and exit the road. Make sure you use the turn signals when exiting the highway.
Secure your Bike
After exiting the highway, you should stop and secure your motorcycle. Drop its stand, and if the bike is on a gradient surface, you can engage it while in gear before shutting the engine down. Assess the issue and determine if you can still ride it. If it is unrideable, you can ensure that your crucial documents, phone, and wallet are safe before calling for help.
For better visibility, you can engage its signal blinkers or hazard lights if your bike has them. If you can’t engage the blinkers, you can do everything possible to ensure your bike is visible. This means putting a safety triangle on your bike while it’s parked by the roadside.
Call for Help
Once it’s secured, you can try and fix the damage and get back on the road. With the right tools, you can replace a punctured tire, jump-start your battery or reinstall a broken chain. But it’s always a good idea to call your insurance provider or a local mechanic.
If your bike is still under warranty, then you can call a towing service provider or a close friend. If it’s a new bike that has just broken down, you may have purchased a lemon. In such a scenario, you can contact Florida Lemon Law attorney and find out more about the available laws protecting motorists from manufacturers.
Endnote
When your bike gets damaged, the first thing you should always consider is your safety. Instead of panicking, you should control the motorcycle and signal the other road users by engaging the hazard signals. Once it’s safe, you can exit the road, secure your bike and finally call for help. If it’s a new bike that’s under warranty, then you should take it back to the dealer and have it fixed.
